Norovirus

Noroviruses are a group of viruses that can cause gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines) with diarrhoea, stomach pain and vomiting. Common names used for gastroenteritis due to norovirus are 'gastric flu' or 'stomach flu', 'winter vomiting' and 'viral gastro'. Noroviruses are found in the faeces or vomit of infected people. People can become infected with the virus in several ways, including:

• eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus
• touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus, and then placing their hand in their mouth
• small airborne particles from projectile vomiting
• having direct contact with another person who is infected and showing symptoms (for example, when *caring for someone with illness, or sharing foods or eating utensils with someone who is ill).

Anyone can become infected with these viruses. There are many different strains of norovirus, which makes it difficult for a person's body to develop long-lasting immunity. Therefore, norovirus illness can recur throughout a person's lifetime. People working in day-care centres or nursing homes should pay special attention to children or residents who have norovirus illness. This virus is very contagious and can spread rapidly throughout such environments.
See also : Gastroenteritis

Symptoms

Symptoms of norovirus illness usually begin about 24 to 48 hours after ingestion of the virus, but they can appear as early as 12 hours after exposure.

The symptoms of norovirus illness usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and some stomach cramping. Sometimes people also have a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness. The illness often begins suddenly, and the infected person may feel very sick. The illness is usually brief, with symptoms lasting only about 1 or 2 days, but can last longer. In general, children experience more vomiting than adults.

Home Remedies for Norovirus

Currently, there is no antiviral medication that works against norovirus and there is no vaccine to prevent infection. Norovirus infection cannot be treated with antibiotics. This is because antibiotics work to fight bacteria and not viruses.

Norovirus illness is usually brief in healthy individuals. When people are ill with vomiting and diarrhoea, they should rest and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Dehydration is the most serious health effect that can result from norovirus infection, and it is a particular concern in young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

• Oregano Thyme, Winter Savory, pepperwort and Wild Bergamot : Carvacrol can effectively break down the tough outer wall of norovirus. Research led by Dr. Kelly Bright at the University of Arizona indicates that carvacrol could potentially be used as a food and surface sanitizer. Carvacrol's ability to break down the external proteins of the virus means that norovirus would be unlikely to ever develop resistance. Additionally, carvacrol is safe and non-corrosive. These findings are especially interesting, because they indicate that carvacrol could be applied as a safe surface sanitizer in place of bleach in schools, day cares, hospitals, rehab facilities and similar institutions where norovirus is typically spread.
• Elderberries seems to really disarm this virus and inhibits its activity – thereby keeping such viruses from invading cells. What’s very intriguing is that elderberry can succeed against fighting off mutations at the same time. How it does that is as of yet unknown. I would encourage all to choose elderberry before getting sick as it works best when employed as a prevention method (though it still works after you’re already suffering from an illness, of course).
• Echinacea : This herb is anti microbial and antiseptic and may also reduce your inflammation and help the elimination of toxins from your system.
• Fennel : When the first acute phase of diarrhea and vomit has passed I’d suggest applying the fennel herb. It’s soft heating activity will alleviate some nausea and cramping, and guide the digestion of meals once you began to re-introduce them.
• Ginger : This herb will help alleviate spasms and can cause an anti inflammatory activity to occur inside of your stomach. It’ll also help to reduce vomiting and allay nausea (what its most famous for). It is effective against many parasites, and that’s likely why it has been typically eaten with uncooked fish.
• Peppermint will also help to ease nausea and vomiting, and cut back on spasmodic pain. Grown organically, it’s also a great supply of potassium and magnesium, minerals that will help to balance your pH and activate digestive enzymes. This herbaceous plant could function nicely as a replacement for chamomile for kids who might not be used to the flavor of chamomile, but are fairly acquainted with all the deliciousness of mint.
• Slippery Elm has effects a calming result to the liner of the belly, it supplies food for the good bacteria inside your body, and is of special use for kids with diarrhea. An incredibly nutritive herb that is therefore extremely valuable when recuperating from any bug that affects your stomach.
• Keep hydrated : you might need an electrolyte beverage to keep up the mineral content in your body

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.